Vote for VS, thumbs down for CM

A survey conducted by University of Kerala for a magazine suggests the CPM-led LDF is racing ahead of the UDF.

Bad news for Oommen Chandy. A survey conducted by University of Kerala for a magazine suggests the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) is racing ahead of the United Democratic Front (UDF).

The survey predicts 80-90 seats for the LDF.

Though there is no wave for or against any bloc, the country's most literate and politically conscious state seems unwilling to shed its habit of testing the rival fronts, one by one.

Among the chief minister contenders, 31.78 per cent chose Opposition leader VS Achuthanandan. Chandy is close behind with 27.94 per cent.

Only 5.31 per cent want the LDF convener Paloli Mohammed Kutty, the favourite of VS's rival faction, to lead the state for the next five years. The LDF's lead is unlikely to change between now and the elections, the survey said.

About 96 per cent of the voters know their elections and 76 per cent say they have already made up their mind.

As many as 83 percent of those who voted for the LDF in this survey say they are absolutely sure of voting the same way in the elections. But 23 percent of the UDF voters are not sure.